Overwhelmed? Yup. We know the feeling. Rather than add to the noise, this newsletter is going to be short, quick, and best of all ACTIONABLE. So here are three quick things you can do today. Best of all, they really really matter.
Number 1 — CALL YOUR REPS!
Outraged? You better believe we’re outraged! Kilmar Abrego Garcia was illegally snatched from his life and family in Maryland and deported to a mega-prison in El Salvador last month. Despite a Supreme Court ruling, the current administration isn’t bringing him back. In fact, now they say maybe “homegrown” criminals should be shipped off too.
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has led the charge demanding that Garcia be returned. We are thrilled to see Senator Booker continuing to stand up and speak out, saying he will be heading to El Salvador himself. Senator Kim has condemned these actions and called the Trump administration wrong. Give our senators a call and say thank you! They need to hear it!
Number 2 — DONATE
No way to sugarcoat it: NJ 11th for Change needs money. We need it now. This year is going to take a lot of organizing and we know that means money. Right now, we are facing $5,000 in upcoming bills. Want to help out? Donate once or make it monthly. Just make a donation.
Number 3 — BREATHE & REFLECT
Let’s take a minute to reflect on the Hands Off protests from April 5. Was that really only two weeks ago?
Indivisible is willing to tally April 5 protest attendance at 3 million people; other sources have speculated 5.2 million or 5.3 million. Click here for an amazing video compilation!
From NYC to Montclair to Morristown to DC, NJ 11th for Change showed up and caused some good trouble. Check out some of our favorite photos from this powerful day!
NJ 11th for Change marched in the rain in New York City! Two dozen of us managed to (mostly) stay together down Fifth Avenue, raising signs and raising voices. We even met New Yorkers who’d heard of our amazing group!
NJ 11th for Change members showed up in Montclair’s Brookdale Park, where the crowd was estimated at over a thousand protesters — including Senator Cory Booker, who seemed to have (mostly) caught up on sleep after his marathon 25-hour speech on the Senate floor. Photos © Bill Solomon Photography | @billsolo_
Fantastic turnout for the rally in Morristown, with crowd estimates ranging from 1500 to 3000 people! Tremendous energy, and signage that couldn’t be beat. Thanks to Morris County Dem Committee for sharing their photos!
More protests will come. We’ll keep you up to date on all the ways you can keep fighting back!
Number 4 — EXTRA CREDIT: TELL YOUR STORY
This isn’t a quick or easy action.
The reason Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s story hits so hard is because we can all imagine it happening to someone we know and love. Like this heartfelt story our friend posted about her own family on the NJ 11th Facebook page.
Our friend’s story, on NBC News.
After this story was shared, we heard from so many readers about how they sent it on to Trump-supporting family members, asking if this is what they support. Sharing personal stories: this is how we break through. Senator Andy Kim knows this and that’s why he’s asking folks to tell their stories. Email [email protected] and put ‘for Katey’ in the subject line to send in your own story.
Three actions. One extra credit.
- Call your reps.
- Donate.
- Breathe and reflect.
- Tell your story.
Sure, we feel overwhelmed. But together, we can stay focused, and make positive change!
Events!
More Events and Opportunities! Get more information at the links in their titles and register there if an RSVP is needed!
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Indivisible IONJ Governors Race Survey
Please read about the important developments in the race and send in your updated thoughts in this NJ Governors Race Temp Check Survey. Form closes at 11:59pm on Thursday, April 17
Hands Off! What’s Next in the Fight?
Sponsored by Working Families Party
A mass call to plan next steps for this highly successful movement–sign up for the link.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Monday, April 21, 2025
NJ-07 Town Hall with Special Guest Rep. Ro Khanna
Sponsored by Indivisible
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
BlueWaveNJ "Governing New Jersey" Roundtable with the Democratic Candidates For Governor
Sponsored by Montclair Dems and NJ 11th for Change
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church St, Montclair, NJ 07042
Submit questions here!
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Senator Andy Kim’s Town Hall in Morris County
21 Lum Avenue, Chatham, NJ 07928
10:00 AM
Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays…Sundays, into the Future…
Montclair Protest: Standing Up to Trump & Musk!
Sundays at 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Corner of Bloomfield Avenue and Church Street in Montclair
Come from any/all surrounding communities. Come this Sunday, next Sunday, any Sunday, every Sunday for a peaceful protest of this outrageous regime.
The Visibility Brigade is active in our area!
Active citizens working to raise awareness by putting messages “line of sight” for folks on major roadways.
Any day of the week– AM or PM rush hour opportunities are available
Choose a time to join here!
Call to Action:
New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice needs our help!
Pass the Immigrant Trust Act to ensure we protect our state from federal involvement with services and limit the impact of ICE!
Save the Date:
May 1, 2025
International Workers Day March and Teach-in!
Dover, NJ
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
